HyperX Cloud Mix Buds 2: The Ultimate Gaming Travel Companion?

The HyperX Cloud Mix Buds 2 represent a strategic shift for the gaming peripheral manufacturer. Moving away from the original's focus on endurance, the new iteration sacrifices battery capacity to enhance audio fidelity and reduce physical weight. This trade-off positions the earbuds as a potential top choice for gamers on the go.

With a design that prioritizes portability and comfort, the Mix Buds 2 aim to compete directly with heavyweights like Sony and SteelSeries. However, the question remains: does the reduction in battery life hinder their overall performance, or does the improved audio quality justify the compromise?

HyperX has engineered the Cloud Mix Buds 2 to be exceptionally light. Each earbud weighs just 4.2 grams, making them at least 20% lighter than most competitors. This reduction results in a virtually weightless feel during use, ideal for long gaming sessions or daily commutes.

The charging case is equally portable, weighing only 34 grams and featuring a compact profile that slips easily into a pocket without creating a visible lump. Build quality is a standout feature; the case feels sturdy with minimal creaking when pressure is applied to the lid. The included USB dongle is slim and sits flush against devices, reducing the risk of accidental damage.

HyperX includes a larger extension adapter with a peel-away strip, allowing users to plug the dongle into a desk rather than a PC tower. While the peel-away strip on the test model was uneven, this flexible connectivity option is a rarity among gaming earbuds. The total package—case, buds, and dongle—weighs just 45 grams, reinforcing their status as a travel-friendly option.

Thanks to their low weight, the earbuds remain reasonably comfortable for several hours at a time. They stayed secure during light jogging, though they jiggled slightly more than traditional earbuds. However, extended wear proved problematic for the reviewer; after wearing them for the better part of a day, the inside of the ears felt sore.

This discomfort persisted even when switching to smaller eartips. The issue may stem from the ear tips' oval shape, which differs from the standard round design many users are accustomed to. While the shape mimics the natural ear canal, it caused irritation for the reviewer.

Regarding aesthetics, the design is functional but modest. The earbuds lean toward a generic look rather than making a bold stylistic statement. While the minimalist approach works for discretion, it lacks the visual flair found in some competing models.

The Mix Buds 2 utilize a low-latency dongle that delivers game audio with zero perceptible delay. This is a significant upgrade from Bluetooth-only earbuds, offering a seamless experience for PC or handheld console gaming. The audio quality is clear, loud, and smooth, allowing the reviewer to distinguish between layers of sound in games like Arc Raiders.

Directional hearing is effective; the reviewer could identify the origin and distance of noises, such as different gunshots and footsteps. However, when compared to high-end alternatives like the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 or Sony's InZone Buds, the Mix Buds 2 felt less precise and atmospheric.

Vocals and bass sounded "smudged" in comparison to these premium competitors. While audiobooks were enjoyable, music tracks like Kendrick Lamar's m.A.A.d city lacked bass punch and rendered vocals slightly tinny. Despite this, the earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio, a step up from the original Mix Buds' SBC codec.

HyperX has introduced active noise cancelling (ANC) and a transparency mode to the Mix Buds 2, features absent from the previous generation. These additions make the earbuds more viable for commuting and daily use. However, both features perform averagely; the ANC blocks out most gym music but allows more ambient noise through than competitors. The transparency mode suffers from noticeable background hiss and offers only a slight boost in external noise.

The microphone performance is a highlight, delivering loud and clear voice transmission. During testing, background clattering and conversations in an adjacent room were effectively blocked out, ensuring only the user's voice was heard.

Battery life is the most significant compromise. HyperX rates the buds at seven hours per charge (26 hours with the case), down from the 10 hours of the original Mix Buds. In real-world testing, usage hovered closer to six hours, likely due to ANC and connectivity switching. This falls short of competitors like the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds (10 hours) and Sony InZone Buds (12 hours).

The HyperX Cloud Mix Buds 2 are available for $150 in the US and £130 in the UK, though recent discounts have been observed. They can be purchased directly from HyperX or via Amazon in both regions.

Ultimately, the Mix Buds 2 offer a compelling package for gamers who prioritize portability and low-latency audio over deep bass and maximum battery life. While they may not satisfy audiophiles seeking the atmospheric depth of high-end buds, their lightweight build and solid microphone make them a practical choice for travel and competitive gaming.